Emigrating to Norway

Emigrating to Norway

The Immigration Act of 1988 in Norway governs the framework that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country. While there are many countries whose nationals can enter Norway without a visa, there are still others that need a visa to gain entry to the country as a tourist, business visitor or even as a worker.

If you intend to work and reside in Norway, then you should fall under a number of categories to qualify for a work and residence permit to be issued to you. The categories are those of students who have been accepted in an approved educational institution in Norway, au pairs, specialists in particular fields, close family member, trainees, seasonal workers and refugees or asylum seekers. As an applicant for a work and residence permit, you should be able to provide for yourself as well as have a place to live.

There are conditions and limitations that are set for the issuance of permits to foreign nationals that vary according to their categories. An example to this would be those work permits that are granted to specialists. These permits allow these specialists to reside permanently in Norway after three years, for which they would be granted settlement permits. Before applying for work permits, specialists should have a job offer in Norway that has to be valid for at least one year. Work permits granted for specialists are specific to the location of your work and to your job per se. Seasonal workers, on the other hand, will only have a time limit of 6 months and will not be eligible for a settlement permit.